JANKEN!

What in the World is Janken?

Janken (じゃんけん) is the Japanese name for the classic "rock-paper-scissors" hand game played all around the world. Even though it has a different name, the rules are just the same! In Japan, Janken is used to make all kinds of decisions and settle disagreements, big or small. The game is so popular that the Japanese idol group AKB48 became known for holding annual Janken tournaments to decide which member would become the center performer for their next single.

Don't believe me? Watch Rina Matsumoto secure a win at a high-stakes Janken Tournament.

Interesting, right? Let's take a look at some of the terms in Japanese.

Starting The Game

1. Both players say "saisho wa guu" (最初はぐう) which means "Starting with rock..." and hold out a fist.
2. Both players say "janken pon!" and throw their move.
3. If there's a tie, both players say "aiko desho!" (相子相子) which means, "It seems like a tie!" Continue until someone wins.

Now, let's take a look at some of those killer moves and what they do.

Rock!

A Fist Strong Enough to Topple Empires

Rock, otherwise known as guu (グー), is the devastating move that crushes scissors. Sadly, it's concrete exterior is no match for the suffocating grip of paper.

Paper!

A Palm Powerful Enough to Grasp Your Enemies

Paper, also know as paa (パー), is the silent but deadly strike that immobilizes rock. Unfortunately, this thin page can't hold up against the snipping might of scissors.

Scissors!

A Pair of Fingers Fierce Enough to Chop Down Any Obstacle

Scissors, called choki (チョキ), are the swift slash that vanquish paper. Regrettably, this delicate tool is unequipped to deal with the pulverizing prowess of rock.

Am I Going Too Fast?

Here, I'll give you a table for reference. Don't worry; it's on the house.

I bet by now you might be curious about rock-paper-scissors in other countries. I've already found a few for you here.